Managing Weight Plateau

By Kylie Purifoy, MUSC Dietetic Intern

Bariatric surgery can come with many challenges related to weight plateaus. A plateau might occur after losing weight rapidly for a period of time when your body tries to "catch up" with the weight loss. It is important to note that this type of plateau is completely normal, as it is your body's way of maintaining balance. A plateau might also occur after experiencing "burn out" with a repetitive routine, or if you consistently navigate away from healthy lifestyle habits. These struggles are common, which is why during our January support group with the MUSC Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Program, our medical experts Lauren Timmerman and Beth Fogle lead a discussion about managing weight plateau, using a checklist created by Life Bridge Health. Use this checklist to get your routine back on track and manage that plateau!

Plateau Checklist - Created by Life Bridge Health¹

• I've seen the doctor or nurse practitioner this year
  • I reached out to the dietitian
  • I've had yearly lab draws
• I have a bariatric buddy
• I keep food diaries to review patterns and hiccups
  • I make a plan and execute changes when I notice patterns
• I use SMART goals to implement change
  
  • S- Specific
  • M- Measurable
  • A- Attainable
  • R- Relevant
  • T- Time-based
• I've changed my exercise habits
  
  • Increased cardio
  • Added weight training
  • Changed exercise type
  • Used a buddy
  • Hired a trainer
  • Tracked exercise
  • I've been more consistent with my exercise
• I've "cleaned house" and removed snacks from home and work
  
  • I make a weekly grocery list to have good foods on hand
  • I plan meals ahead of time
  • I bring my lunch to work
  • I've reduced the number of times I eat out every week
• I'm eating protein at every meal
• I've increased my vegetable intake
• I limit my starches to 1 to 2 per day
• I eat every 3 to 4 hours
• I eat breakfast
  • Within 2 hours of waking up
  • Every day
• I've reduced the stress in my life
  
  • I have a list of activities I can do instead of eating

References
1. Strive to succeed Plateau Checklist. https://www.lifebridgehealth.org/Uploads/Public/Documents/bariatric_surgery/groupsummary/SupportGroupSummaryPlateaus.pdf. Accessed January 21, 2022.